Hotel boosts revenue projections for Kan. casino

Eds: RECASTS; UPDATES with more details from state gaming consultants, details on other casinos, gaming operations.

MULVANE, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas gambling consultants have predicted that the addition of a hotel will boost revenue at a Sumner County casino.

Last month, Chisholm Creek Casino Resort announced it would add the hotel with at least 100 rooms to its first phase. The casino is expected to open in September 2011 and the hotel six months later.

Because of the hotel, Cummings Associates has raised its gambling revenue forecast for 2013, the first full year of casino operations. It's now expected to generate $166.5 million, $3.5 million more than its original forecast.

Meanwhile, Wells Gaming Research increased its 2013 forecast to $153.9 million, an increase of $9.3 million.

But the consultants also say the Chisholm Creek Casino Resort stands to lose revenue if a proposed Indian casino in Park City or slots at Wichita Greyhound Park begin operation. Neither project has a certain future.

Cummings said slots at the greyhound park would draw "very substantial amounts of revenue ($100 million)," and reduce the Chisholm Creek gambling revenue by 23 percent, to $127.8 million, Cummings said.

Sedgwick County voters would have to approve slots at the greyhound park, which has been closed since shortly after voters rejected slots in 2007. Also, owner Phil Ruffin has said he would reopen the park only if state lawmakers amend the expanded gambling act to allow tracks to share more of the slots revenue.

Cummings said a Wyandotte casino in Park City would lower revenue at Chisholm Creek by 21.5 percent, to $130.7 million.

But before a casino could be built, the tribe must get approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to have the land put in trust for gambling purposes -- a lengthy and uncertain process.

Cummings based its projections on the assumption that the Park City casino wouldn't be operated under a compact with the state, which would mean Las Vegas-style gambling wouldn't be permitted. However, the projection assumed that gamblers would be allowed to play some table games and use bingo and bingo-like machines, which look and play like slot machines.

A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday in Topeka for the state casino review board to hear from the consultants and Chisholm Creek officials. It plans to vote Wednesday whether to approve the casino, which would be managed by Lakes Entertainment.